Support for Community Projects to Prevent Substance Use-Related Harms Among Youth
Backgrounder
November 2025
In response to the illegal toxic drug supply and overdose crisis, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investing an additional $6 million in community-based projects across Canada, through the Youth Substance Use Prevention Program (YSUPP).
The organizations receiving this additional funding continue to advance the implementation of the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM) in communities across Canada.
In support of this work, Renison University College (University of Waterloo) has been funded by PHAC to lead the Knowledge Development and Exchange Hub (KDE Hub) for Youth Substance Use Prevention. The KDE Hub leads a national community of practice, supports knowledge sharing and promotes best practices among funded projects, and evaluates the Canadian experience and adaptation of the IPM.
Planet Youth Mississauga
The DAM (Develop, Assist, Mentor) – Mississauga, Ontario (ON)
$705,915 over 30 months to support youth substance use prevention in three neighbourhoods. The project will start with school-based surveys to identify local risks and protective factors and guide Community Action Teams (CATs) in setting goals and taking action. CATs will lead policy discussions and community activities that create healthy, supportive environments for children and youth.
Planet Youth Haldimand-Norfolk
Grand Erie Public Health – Haldimand & Norfolk Counties, ON
$704,886 over 30 months to support community-led, evidence-based initiatives. Surveys of Grade 10 students will take place every two years to identify local risk and protective factors, guiding CATs in developing targeted policies and programs involving families, schools, and service providers.
Peterborough Youth Substance Use Prevention (PYSUP) Initiative
Haliburton-Kawartha-Northumberland-Peterborough Health Unit (HKNPHU) – Peterborough, ON
$720,570 over 30 months to implement Planet Youth Nogojiwanong, brought to you by the Peterborough Youth Substance Use Prevention (PYSUP) Initiative. The project will start with Planet Youth school-based surveys to identify local risk and protective factors. Findings will guide the development of community goals and initiatives emphasizing sustainable funding, transparency, and continuous learning. By fostering shared accountability and data-driven action, PYSUP aims to embed youth and community-led prevention within local systems for long-term impact.
Icelandic Prevention Model for Youth Substance Use and Mental Health – Sudbury & Districts
Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre – Sudbury, ON
$723,556 over 30 months to support a culturally grounded, inclusive approach to youth substance use prevention. Planet Youth surveys in English and French will assess youth well-being and identify risk and protective factors among Indigenous, Francophone, newcomer, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other equity-deserving groups. Findings will guide community-led goal setting and the development of targeted interventions that reflect local needs and priorities. Youth leadership initiatives, training, and participatory planning will strengthen community engagement and shared accountability.
Implementing Upstream Substance Use Prevention for Indigenous Youth in Port Alberni
Nuu-chah-nulth Youth Warrior Family Society (NCNYFWS) – Port Alberni, British Columbia (BC)
$722,122 over 30 months to support Indigenous young men in protecting their communities, caring for the land, and building resilience through culturally grounded, strength-based programming. Weekly and monthly gatherings with Elders and instructors will nurture hope, belonging, and purpose—key protective factors against substance use and social adversity. Youth will lead data collection to guide ongoing improvements and track progress toward community wellness goals.
Northern Lights: Securing a bright future for youth in Northern British Columbia
Northern Health Authority (NHA) – Valemount & McBride, BC
$607,103 over 30 months to strengthen youth substance use prevention and mental wellness in Robson Valley, BC. Using local, regional and provincial resources, the project will deliver data-driven, community-adapted interventions. NHA will engage youth and community members in interpreting survey results and support CATs set goals and track progress.
Planet Youth Battlefords and Area
Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre (BRT6HC) – North Battleford and surrounding area, Saskatchewan
$579,290 over 30 months to support initiatives to strengthen protective factors and reduce youth substance use across Treaty 6 communities. School-based surveys in 2025 and 2027 will guide the co-development of culturally relevant, evidence-informed interventions. Knowledge gained will contribute to national understanding on culturally grounded IPM implementation in Indigenous contexts.
Hope Network - Youth Substance Use Prevention Program
Undercurrent Youth Society (UYS) – Glace Bay and New Waterford, Nova Scotia
$704,234 over 30 months to support inclusive, community-driven youth substance use prevention strategies. Youth surveys will be conducted in 2025 to assess substance use behaviours and associated risk, and protective factors. Results will inform the design of locally tailored interventions and the creation of CATs representing schools, families, and local organizations. UYS will build prevention capacity through community forums, training, and youth leadership. A second survey cycle in 2027 will measure progress and refine priorities.
Planète Jeunesse Chaleur / Planet Youth Chaleur
Chaleur Regional Service Commission – Chaleur Region, New Brunswick
$531,471 over 30 months to support a bilingual initiative to prevent youth substance use by fostering healthy environments and strengthening protective factors. In partnership with Public Health at Vitalité Health Network, the project will conduct youth surveys, in 2025 and 2027, to identify community priorities and guide locally led interventions. These will be co-developed with regional partners to ensure cultural and contextual relevance.